Review Fix chats with Maple Run vocalist and guitarist Nick Bondouroglou, who discusses the band’s newest album “Restless.†Also breaking down what makes the band different Bondouroglou gives us an inside look and how the band creates their tunes.
Review Fix: What was the creative process behind this album?
Nick Bondouroglou: As soon as the cycle of our debut album ‘House on Fire’ ended, we decided we wanted to start working on a new project and find out were this will lead us. Without having something particular in mind – apart from the fact that we wanted it to be a heavier album than the previous one – we started jamming & composing new songs. When we reached a significant number of songs and were satisfied with our material and the direction it had taken, we got in the studio & recorded all of our ideas/songs. At the same time we finalized the lyrics and the albums artwork. Our album ‘Restless’ is not based on a particular idea creatively but on the combination of inspiring songs that will connect with the listener.
Review Fix: What do you think makes it unique?
Bondouroglou: The variety of the different styles of music used in combination with the albums particular sound. As each member has different musical influences, blending them all together is what makes ‘Restless’ a unique album with character and essence. Also, each song has a story to tell – stories that differ but are also connected simultaneously.
Review Fix: What have you learned about yourselves as musicians through the writing and production of this album?
Bondouroglou: Due to bad decision making, the recording & production process of ‘Restless’ lasted almost 3 years. Having to join the army (which is mandatory in our country) for 9 months and also working with a producer that didn’t meet our expectations, resulted in loosing a lot of valuable time. What we have surely learned through this process is that you need to be well practiced and organized before getting in the studio to record and also to find a producer who meets your bands expectations in knowledge and communication.
Review Fix: What song do you think has the best story behind it?
Bondouroglou: As previously mentioned, each song has a different story to tell and it would be hard to chose a particular one. The most interesting story that most people can connect to is probably the story behind our official music video ‘Bombs’ which has to do with the current state of modern society with regards to economy/war/politics and the way these affect the individual.
Review Fix: How important has the band’s social media presence been to its success?
Bondouroglou: Our band started using social media since MySpace made its appearance and from that time onwards social media have been really helpful. With the use of social networks such as facebook, twitter etc. we have connected with fans and people of the music industry internationally which has taken us many steps further. With the use of these networks we can promote and advertise our band without costs as well as to find any information we need for our next steps.
Review Fix: How do you want this album to be remembered?
Bondouroglou: As an honest record made by a group of restless friends.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Bondouroglou: We are currently in the pre production process of what will be our 3rd album. Our goal is to have our new record ready within the following year. We are very excited about the future – stay tuned – great things are coming.
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